Portfolio Category: Peer Services

The path to recovery can be long and winding. It often helps to have someone who has traveled the same road to point out bumps and twists along the way. Peer specialists provide this service for people recovering from mental illness or addiction. A peer support specialist can help with the empathy and compassion that…

Mira Signer, with Virginia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, says by the time someone reaches out for help it’s important they’re not told to come back later.“It’s critical. You want to be there for them. And welcome them, and engage them right away,” she says. ... See MoreSee Less

“My son Will was afraid to say ‘I’m not OK’ because I didn’t talk about these things with him,” he said. “He didn’t want me to see him as not OK because he worried that would be disappointing to me. And that breaks my heart.” ... See MoreSee Less

“Every person in Virginia should be able to access quality public behavioral health services, no matter who they are, how much money they make, or their insurance status,” said Governor Northam. “Virginia’s Community Service Boards are the front line providers of mental health treatment, and when someone is in urgent need of clinical services, it is important that they receive care in a timely manner. Same Day Access removes many of the barriers to mental health care and helps individuals get treatment wherever they may live in the Commonwealth.” ... See MoreSee Less